In several recent articles in this magazine, we proposed the need to establish a federally run, full-time, resident, self-contained national academy—the U.S. Homeland Security Intelligence Academy (HSIA)—where students will be able to obtain an undergraduate degree in homeland security/intelligence studies coupled with garnering homeland security/intelligence-related practical and tactical skills. In addition, leadership development insights and a rigorous physical education program will be incorporated into other instruction and training at HSIA.

HSIA graduates will need a solid understanding of homeland security/intelligence studies and a myriad of other subjects in order to excel as intelligence analysts, in covert operations, doing counterterrorism, counterintelligence, emergency management, law enforcement, or otherwise.

We now turn to another component of the HSIA, namely, the key aspects of the open-source academic coursework. As HSIA’s mandate centers on the subjects of homeland security and intelligence studies, students will be focusing on these two themes. They will earn a Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security and Intelligences Studies.

Among other proposed academic courses to be offered at HSIA are disciplines ranging from history and political science to religion and economics, as well as criminal justice and law.

Given the need for foreign language skills for 21st century homeland security/intelligence professionals, it is expected that all students entering HSIA will be fluent in English as well as a second language. In addition, computer and technology skills will be enhanced through student immersion in these realms during regular coursework and in supplementary sessions.

In order to ensure that all graduates have a baseline of expertise in similar academic disciplines, a core set of classes will be mandatory.

Educating future homeland security and intelligence-focused professionals is the goal of HSIA. In focusing on homeland security/intelligence studies and other strategic disciplines, HSIA graduates will be well equipped to serve and protect the United States and its interests. As former British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli once stated, “Upon the education of the people of this country, the fate of this country depends.” This wise observation should guide HSIA in its future role in national and global security concerns.

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Dean Alexander is professor/director of the Homeland Security Research Program at Western Illinois University. He co-authored "The Islamic State: Combating the Caliphate Without Borders" (Lexington Books, 2015).

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